Greater trochanteric-pelvic impingement

Last revised by Rohit Sharma on 11 Apr 2024

Greater trochanteric-pelvic impingement also known as pelvitrochanteric impingement or trochanteric impingement is an extra-articular or external type of hip impingement 1,2.

Greater trochanteric-pelvic impingement seems to be more common in younger people 2.

Chief complaints are pain while walking, limping decreased range of motion in the affected hip joint and/or impaired abduction 1.

Impingement is caused between the greater trochanter and the ilium or posterior rim of the acetabulum on hip abduction from full extension in patients with a shortened femoral neck.  This can occur as a sequel of Perthes disease or slipped capital femoral epiphysis 1,2. Previous total hip replacement has also been discussed as a possible etiology 3.

Radiographic features include the following:

  • reduced distance between the greater trochanter and the ilium

  • shortened femoral neck length

Treatment options include conservative approaches with activity modification physical and manual therapy, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For more severe symptoms e.g. limping lateralizing osteotomy or a combination of femoral head-neck osteochondroplasty and relative femoral neck lengthening are surgical options 1.

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